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| Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. © |
We made it as far as Sikkim, but our trip to Bhutan to see the rhododendron trees in bloom didn't eventuate, sadly, as this Himalayan Buddhist kingdom is certainly on the wish-list. It would be unfair of me to go on my own, but a press release shared with me last week makes it tempting!
I have friends who have travelled solo there, so it's no surprise to read that Bhutan is emerging as one of the world’s most enriching destinations for female travellers journeying alone. At its heart, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a haven of peace, introspection, and healing—designed especially for those craving quiet transformation.
Tucked in the Neyphu Valley above Paro, the property is the country’s only 5-star all-inclusive wellness sanctuary. It caters to those who seek rest and renewal in a nurturing environment that values stillness, self-discovery, and wellbeing.
Bhutan has a deeply respectful culture, gentle pace, and emphasis on wellbeing
Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Bhutan values presence over pace. The country’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness supports slower travel, deeper connection, and mindful exploration. Whether it’s a meditative forest walk, a guided wellness consultation, or soaking in a traditional hot stone bath, each moment at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is designed to restore rather than rush.
Importantly, Bhutan is a welcoming destination for solo female travellers. The local culture emphasises respect, and interactions with locals are warm, yet never invasive. Women can explore freely, with peace of mind and a sense of inner freedom.
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| Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. © |
Every stay includes a private consultation with a traditional Bhutanese medicine doctor, daily wellness treatments, and unlimited access to therapies ranging from deep tissue massages to herbal compress treatments and traditional hot stone baths. Guests are encouraged to follow their own rhythm—whether that means sunrise meditation, a guided hike to a hilltop monastery, or quiet journalling beside panoramic windows.
In Bhutan, healing often arrives through simplicity: crisp mountain air, fragrant herbs, and the quiet steam rising from a traditional hot stone bath. At Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, this centuries-old ritual is honoured with care, offering guests a profound wellness experience rooted in Bhutan’s ancient traditions.
Known as dotsho, the Bhutanese hot stone bath is more than just a treatment—it’s a therapeutic ritual deeply embedded in gSo-ba Rig-pa, Bhutan’s traditional medicine system, with origins in Tibetan and Ayurvedic healing practices. Stones selected from riverbeds are heated over an open fire until glowing red, then placed into wooden tubs infused with local menchu (medicinal plants). As the stones release their minerals, the water becomes a powerful source of relief for sore muscles, fatigue, and stress.
“The bath works on both the physical and subtle body,” says Dr. Kelsang Dorjigkss, in-house Traditional Bhutanese Medicine Doctor at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. “The fire element transforms the water into something nurturing, while the combination of heat and herbs restores balance to the mind and body.”
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| Dotsho, Bhutanese hot stone bath. © Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary |
Location: Neyphu Valley, Shaba, Paro. The Sanctuary is located a 15-minute drive from the only international airport in Paro, Bhutan (airport code PBH). Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan is located a one hour drive from the Sanctuary.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels Collection - Considerate Collection and Mr & Mrs Smith Luxury Hotels
Source: News Press Release, Donna Campbell PR
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| Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, © |
